Which form of conformity involves changing one's public behavior but not private beliefs?

The situation described in the question pertains to public compliance, which occurs when an individual adjusts their behavior to align with a group without altering their underlying beliefs. This type of conformity often happens in social contexts where individuals may feel pressure to conform to group norms or expectations in order to gain social acceptance or avoid conflict.

For instance, a person might outwardly express agreement with a group’s opinion or engage in certain behaviors during a group activity, even if they personally disagree with those views privately. This can be seen in various social settings, such as within peer groups, workplaces, or during public events, where the desire to fit in can overshadow personal convictions.

In contrast, private acceptance would involve a deeper level of conformity where an individual not only changes their public behavior but also comes to genuinely believe the group's position. Minority influence relates to how smaller groups can effect change in larger groups, while descriptive norms encompass the behaviors that are commonly practiced by a group, which may not necessarily lead to changes in personal beliefs or public compliance.